AMS587/34 – Edgar Waite Diary 37 -13 May – 20 November 1894
This is a formatted version of the transcript file from the Atlas of Living Australia Page numbers in this document do not correspond to the notebook page numbers. Text in square brackets may indicate the following: - Misspellings, with the correct spelling in square brackets preceded by an asterisk rendersveu*[rendezvous] - Tags for types of content [newspaper cutting] - Spelled out abbreviations or short form words F[ield[. Nat[uralists]
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Book 37 1894 May 13th to Nov[ember] 20thEdgar R Waite The Australian Museum Sydney. [1]
1894May.Sun[day] 13. Took the 9.15am boat to Manly together with Whitelegge and 5 others. On arriving we set off for Dee Why about 6 miles and 4 beaches away, separated by high ridges of thick scrub. At the head of each beach is a sand due succeeded by a Lagoon some of them 2 miles or more long it appears that only during heavy seas does the waters of the ocean reach &[and] replenish the lagoons. They were all [2]
filled with water not very deep except in parts, we had a glorious day and a tolerable sea on. As the waves turned over off the beaches we could see many fish in them probably whiting. [sketch] On the ridges the bush flowers were lovely we especially noticed the brilliant crimson bloom of The wattles scented the whole place. Meliornis novae hollandiae were [3]
plentiful we also saw several cuckoos. Brown Snake had been seen the previous Sunday but not crossed our path. We entered the Dee Why back at Oak tree corner. here the scrub had been partly cleared leaving a nice grassy place where we camped around were cabbage-tree palms &[and] the bush was overgrown with a beautiful violet convolvulus. A fig tree had overgrown, smothered &[and] killed some other. The work of some vandals was observable for fine [4]
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AMS587/34 – Edgar Waite Diary 37 -13 May – 20 November 1894
trees had been hacked down &[and] many of the beautiful ferns torn up. Going down to the we first had a swim in a large rock pool &[and] then sat down to our dinner. Afterwards Whitelegge with a hand camera took the group &[and] some of the surrounding beauties. Got out the lines. I scrambled along the cliffs &[and] reached a precipitous drop to the water where I let down my line I caught 7 Chironemus marmoratus in no time but others I [5]
had hooked got under stones and I lost several hooks &[and] leads other of the party got Muraena afra. Silago ciliatae Labrichthys laticlavius Platychaerops gouldi &[and], Pagrus unicolor. Returned to tea, noticed a change coming up Started for home at 5.20. Soon the rain came. Got shelter under a rock &[and] again went on but were soon drenched, more by the wet scrub than actual rainfall. We had far to go &[and] in the dark went [6]
splashing into pools &[and] so on until we arrived at Manly. Got the 8.0 boat and as the sea had got up we got a rocking in crossing inside the heads. I was home by 9.20 and "changed"14. Mon[day] Wrote description of a new? Psenes. P whiteleggii. Ogilby who had examined a supposed Hoplocephalus palidi- -ceps considered it as new &[and] called it after me. Posted correspondence to England. At night I bound first 100. Y[orkshire].N[aturalists'].U[nion] Excursion - programmes. [7]
15. Tues[day] Received this letter &[and] wrote reply as on the other side. [part of letter]Fruitless call upon Cohen. [8]
Tempe 14. 5. 94My dear Edgar, I fear I am but a poor Correspondentat the best but I do not think youhave written to me without receivinga reply, nor has my Mother from your letter to Mrs.Vause I gather that you were aware of my recentillness but I do not think you have called at Bay View since you arrived in the Colony except when you were specially invited. I shall be obliged if you will forward my mothers letter by post as I shall be much engaged for sometime to come so that you need not feel "constrained to take your chance of finding me at Temp" I shall also be obliged by your requesting my motherto address herself directly to me in'future'. I am yours truly A. J. Vause.
B. Avenue 15. May - "My dear Cousin- I have pleasure in enclosing your Mothers' letter as you desire, but I am afraid that I cannot undertake to request her to address her letter in any
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particular manner: you will no doubt be able to do this when acknowledging the one enclosed. Believe me yours very sincerely. ERW" Sent draft of my paper on New or rare Austral[ian] fishes to Trustees for requisite permission to publish. On the even [shorthand symbol] [9]
I went to Newtown &[and] had a musical "do" with Shaw and Rowling.16. Wed[nesday] Fitted up my bookcase with a new? idea, it is for keeping pamphlets or periodicals which if not tightly 'shelved' get bent and torn at the bottoms. Reserving one shelf for such [sketch] literature I divided it by 4 upright partitions each 9½ inches apart the wood is thin and is set back to the same depth as a book. [10]
the front edge of the wood I colored blue brown or pink &[and] the partitions cannot now be distinguished from the "simon pures"- each section can now be packed and a pamphlet withdrawn or replaced without disturbing the whole shelf-ful. [sketch] An incompletely filled section may be packed with books as shown in the middle section. [11]
The small portion of the partition visible. if any - above the line of the books I colored dark so as to[sketch] be indistinguish -able from the shade beyond contrast exaggerated in the sketch. Before, I had inserted between pamphlets at intervals a piece of stout mill- board this did very well but no so well as my last essay -
wrote to Mrs Vause of Southampton in reply to her letter. Received letters from Father and Wilfrid.17. Thur[sday]. Rose visited the Josephs and learnt that Cohen had attempted to 'do' several people out of money or goods so in the evening I called &[and] told him he must pay by 8'pm tomorrow and left the following notice with him - not 3 minutes After I came in he knocked at the door &[and] said a pupil had left him £[pound]1-10-0 [13]
[14] Copy 43 Barcoee Avenue 17. May. 1894 Re[garding] £[pound]5 lent - without interest on 9th April last. £[pound]2.10.0 repaid 2nd inst[ant]------Sir I require you to pay to me £[pound]2.10.0 (being balance on the above loan) by 8' O'clock pm tomorrow (May 18th) - Failing this I shall be compelled to obtain payment- Two pounds and ten Shillings- through other channels - £[pound] 2 = 10 = 0 ------Edgar R WaiteMr. M. A. Cohen ------45 Barcoui Avenue
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which he tendered- he evidently had the money &[and] thought that I should not take action for a £[pound]1- "no thanks" I said "you can keep it 'till tomorrow &[and] pay all you owe together." Commenced to clean up the workroom in the evening.18. Fri[day]. Went to the fish market at 5 am. Met Ogilby. Got a Long Tom (Belone ferox) and a Crimson-banded Parrot-fish (Pseudolabrus nigromarginatus) Whitelegge lent me his Rover hand-camera as I have an idea of buying one. Bought box of ¼ [15]
plates. Austral Rapid 1[shilling]/9[pence] Cohen did not turn up as promised. Fitted up shelves in work room. Had "Long-Tom" to tea, the flesh good and firm. Received permission of Trustees to publish my fish paper.19. Sat[urday] In the afternoon we went round both Rushcutters and Double Bays exposed plates in hand camerc, and developed them at night. Letter from Prof[fessor] Martin re[garding] Aspidites - from Bourke to which I replied asking for the snake for examination [16]
20. Sun[day]. Before dinner I walked round the Rushcutters and Double Bays thence across the scrub to Rose Bay and exposed some plates in the Rover. In the afternoon Rose went with me to the gardens where we exposed more plates which in the evening I developed.21. Mon[day]. Watts called &[and] told me he had reduced his terms to £[pound]2-2-0 for 13 lessons on the flute one hour each so I arranged that he should visit me on June 7th. To day I [17]
[paper covering majority of writing]
took out a summons against Cohen at the Water Police Court, for which I paid 6[shillings]/- 22. Tues[day]. Market at 5am got a Beardie (Lotella limbata) and Ribbon Fish (Trichiuris haumela?) for the Museum. Saw Ogilby who raised the question of my drawing his fish (see Bk. 36 - 9 inst[ant]) When previously saying "No" I argued that as Barrow and Irwin were both dependent on their pencils for a livelihood &[and] that if I undertook the work I should be taking it out of their [18]
G 28. St 4613 Plaint Note.IN THE COURT OF PETTY SEESIONS} FOR THE DISTRICT OF }Waite This Cause has been set down for hearing at the Water v. Police Court, at Phillip street SydneyCohen at Ten of the clock in the forenoon of Wednesday the6[shillings]/- 30 day of May 1894No. 1061 N.B. - It is requested that you will always bring this Plaint Note to the office, for reference, when inquiring about the above case. Payment of moneys becoming due to you in the case may be refused unless this Note be produced.4g 90 - 94
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hands. Ogilby now said he had see Dr Cox who remarked that I should be a fool if I refused to put money into my pocket and O[gilby]. said that neither Irwin nor Barrow would get the work as they did not understand fishes &[and] remarks as to the nature of their produc- - tions &c[et cetera]. 150 fish would have to be drawn in perhaps 2 years Ogilby mentioned 22[shillings]/6[pence] each drawing Shaw &[and] Rowling at Fallowfield in the evening. Weather much cooler now. [19]
23. Wed[nesday]. Now preparing a paper for next Wednesday's meeting of the Linnean. "Fishes new or rare on the Australian coast." and will record the following species:- 1. Dules argenteus. Benn. 2. Acanthurus triostegus 3. Nomeus gronovii 4. Psenes whiteleggii. sp. nov. 5. Glyphidodon brownriggii. Ben 6. Monacanthus filicauda Gunth 7. Monacanthus nitens. Hollard. 8. Solenognathus. sp. 9. Leptocephalus 10. Schedophilus maculatus Gun All obtained by Whitelagge at Maroubra Bay Nos<1> 2 and 3 are new records [20]
for N[ew].S[outh].W[ales] and Nos[numbers]. 1.5.6 7 and 9. have not been previously recorded from Australia No[number].10 is only the second record No[Number].4 is described as new &[and] No[Number].8 is critical on S spinossisimus &[and] fasciatus Dr Martin - University called to make my ac- quaintance &[and] invited Hedley &[and] myself to visit him at 4.0. At noon I went to the Macleay Museum worked at 3 Solenognathus spinosis- -simus. Lucas joined me &[and] later, Hedley when we looked over the fine Laboratories &c[et cetera] [21]
In the evening Mrs Paterson &[and] Miss Hobcraft engaged our time.24. Thur[sday]. Left Redfern at 8.15 am in company with Thorpe North &[and] his friend Muddle joined us at Strathfield whence we journeyed through Gosford to Ourimbah, the first time I had crossed the Hawkesbury. Here I was in wilder bush &[and] denser scrub than I have yet seen. Some of the trees were of im- mense height joined together with creepers some very prickly and called "wait-a-bit" [22]
Beautiful Palms still untouched by the vandal Tree ferns and attached to many parts of the trees we[re] huge stag-horns. The undergrowth was in parts very thick &[and] was like a continuous tall bramble bush, the hidden ground beneath was uneven &[and] strewn with fallen trees and my first experience was a fall broken by my jaw coming into con- tact with such a log this somewhat upset me for the remainder of the day. There was but little variety of [23]
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Bird life - In scattered spots colonies of Bell Birds kept the bush alive with their sweet but monotonous notes close at hand the sound is a musical pipe but when heard at a distance is like the continual tinkling of sheep-bells so un- interruptedly do they keep it up, this bird is Manorhuia melanophrys. Jackasses were plentiful &[and] two were obtained School of Red- heads were seen, numerous solitary Yellow-Robins Eopsaltria australis. [24]
a Black Magpie and other smaller birds, but many were lost in the thick scrub after being shot. The only thing seen in my line was a Bear, many shots had to fired before it was killed &[and] it lodged in the fork of the tree at a very great height where we had to leave it. Left by train at 4.15 &[and] reached Sydney at 6.40. The Scenery between Hornsby &[and] Ourimbah is charming, along the course of the Hawkesbury over which [25]
the fine bridge is one of the Engineering feats of Australia. Our last Queen's birthday holiday we had spent in a similar manner at Hornsby.25. Fri[day]. Ogilby brought a "Dart". (Trachynotus russellii) from the market I took it home &[and] drew it in the evening it taking me 3 hours. Afterwards I fetched Rose from the Rowneys where she had spent the evening.26. Sat[urday]. In the afternoon I went for a stroll with Hedley to Rose Bay. In the evening I bought printing paper &[and] chemicals, [26]
Frost &[and] Shiphams were fast selling their stock of Rover cameras &[and] had only one ¼ plate size left which I asked them to keep for me until the beginning of next month, bought "snap shot" album for 1[shilling]/6[pence] ¼ plate size.27. Sun[day]. Finished letter to Father &[and] spent a greater part of the day printing &[and] toning photos &c[et cetera].28 Mon[day]. Went to the Court the money owing had not been paid. In the evening I commenced a line drawing of Anthias lepidopterus this being the third of the series [27]
29. Tues[day]. To fish market at 5 am. got a very large Beryx affinis &[and] a small Pagrus sarba for examination, met Ogilby there. Rowling did not turn up at night.30. Wed[nesday] Attended the court at 10.0 Cohen did not turn up so I got the case by default. In the evening I attended meeting of Linnean Society read!. Ogilby's paper &[and] exhibited his new snake Hoplocephalus waitii. I also read my paper on the fishes from Maroubra but did not give it in as I wanted to add to [28]
the article on Solenognathus.31. Thur[sday]. Frost &[and] Shiphams had sold their only ¼ plate Rover camera in stock. Ogilby brought Myxus elongatus of which in the evening I commenced to make a drawing (No[number].4). Met Walker in the city, he invited us to Waverley next Saturday. At night I called for Rose who had been to Mrs Pat- erson's. I
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frequently notice the swallows here pick off flies from lamp posts. Verandah supports and even walls. They fearlessly enter Butcher's shops [29]
June.1. Fri[day] Received letter from Father and also one from Branson in which he enclosed one for Lyons (Paterson). I sent a note to Paterson &[and] asked him to call at Fallowfield which he did in the evening. I gave him the letter. In the evening also I finished drawing of Myxus elongatus.2. Sat[urday]. Went to Waverley in the afternoon, had a stroll with Walker to the Centenial Park and wound up the evening with music.3. Sun[day]. This morning Cohen [30]
paid me £[pound]2.10.0. I did not mention the 6[shillings]/- but considered I had obtained a cheap lesson. He asked me to believe that he had intended to pay what he owed. Walked round the bay before dinner. Afterwards we went to Mrs Forde's &[and] I exposed a ½ plates which I developed in the evening. wrote to Wilfrid and Chadwick drew further at the Anthias lepidopterus4.Mon[day]. Finished the Anthias this evening. Grant told that the puppy would be sent tomorrow. [31]
5. Tues[day]. Rowling came in the evening. Found that the inner tube of the flute was getting loose and breaking the cork at the joint.6. Wed[nesday]. Grant brought the puppy which is the offspring of a S[ain]t Bernard &[and] Newfoundland more of the latter and black excepting a small white spot on the chest, bought a chain 10d[pence] &[and] in the evening commenced to make a kennel.7. Thur[sday]. Made drawing of Psenes whiteleggii and sketches of Solenognathus for reproduction I had [32]
my first flute lesson. To work up - Furstenains (26 Nebungen. Op[us] 107) G dur - Touleiter., and Kuhlan's No 2
9. Sat[urday] Letter from Wilfrid - received May Naturalist. In the morning while walking round the Bay An Alcyon sanctus Sat on the retaining wall &[and] flew below its level I went to the place &[and] touched it with my hat as it flew off. This drawing altho[ugh] not one of the artists' finest [sketch] productions. Will explain how such a feat was pos- ible - the fish is a purely imaginary object! [34]
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Went round Double Bay in the afternoon.10. Sun[day]. Saw 2 A. sanctus at the Bay. In the evening I wrote letters to Father &[and] Aunt Long- -botham.11. Mon[day]. Took Flute to be repaired found that the wood of the joint had broken away. I also indicated to the man how to render the C™®[natural] key more easily reached by me. Letter from Rowling saying that he would not be up this week. Plesiops bleekeri brought to the Museum I took it home &[and] commenced [35]
to draw in the evening. Froggatt gave me a very young Black Snake.12 Tues[day]. Worked further at Plesiops bleekeri there is much more work in this than any I have yet done on account of a cold, my first in Australia I did not to the Fish Market my late week. 5pm.13 Wed[nesday]. Received a large photo of J.W.Davis from Yorks[hire] Geol[logical] &[and] Poly[technic] Soc[iety]. Got my flute the man had riveted the tube in but done it in such a clumsy way that I had to file down the heads of the rivets inside &[and] recork [36]
the joint, finished Plesiops in the evening.14. Thur[sday]. Miss Crossland came &[and] stayed with us overnight. Had my flute lesson No[number].2 &[and] afterwards the flute to pieces and cleaned the actions. I heard today that "the Doctors term of Office was up &[and] that a special meeting of the board would be held tomorrow.15. Fri[day]. The Doctor's man Olley was packing up books &[and] papers &c[et cetera] to day Letter "Supplement" and "Clock Almanack from Father. Letter from Mrs Shaw asking us for Wed[nesday] [37]
wrote to Roebuck in the evening. Finished plate to illustrate my paper on Maroubra Fishes.16. Sat[urday] At noon I took Rose to Creelmans' where we were separately photographed. Returned to the Museum until 5. Father sent me as a birthday present, "Yorkshire Folk-Talk, a standard work by Rev[erand] M.C.F. Morris. Whitelegge gave me some old photographs17 Sun[day]. In consequence of my cold I spent this morning in bed but had a walk to the Bay in the afternoon [38]
18. Mon[day]. Rose wrote to Mrs Shaw declining her invitation in consequence of my cold. Made a frame for dark-room window to carry screen.19. Tues[day]. Took my paper &[and] plate on Maroubra fishes to the Linnean Soc[iety].20 Wed[nesday] Received proofs of photo from Creelman's In consequence of it being Whitelegge's late week &[and] he having to attend the council of the Linnean I stayed for him made some ¼ plate printing frames in the evening. [39]
21. Thur[sday]. Took proofs of photos to Creelman's and ordered. Had Flute lesson &[and] paid Watts £[pound]1-1-0 on account. Letter from Father dealing mainly with Arthur Vause in
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res- -pect to a letter from his mother which he enclosed. He sent me a pamphlet "How to correct printer's proofs" by late W[illia]m Blades22 Fri[day] Finished letter to Roebuck. Wrote to Carter &[and] acknowledged receipt of photograph of Davis. Wrote to Gregory., Bir- mingham re[garding] a flute, with the idea of getting a newer pattern. [40]
23 Sat[urday]. Fitted up a "dark" fluid in the Dark room (bathroom) in the afternoon, it being a wet day. I wrote to Father, and replied to his points re[garding] Dr Vause.24 Sun[day]. Went to Double Bay in the morning &[and] gave Bess (the dog) a good swim. In the afternoon we went by the 2.0 boat to Woolwich Met Vau-der-Leije. a young Dutchman &[and] a professional 'Celloist who has just come out a friend of Mr Frank Down's. [41]
25 Mon[day]. Posted letters to Father. Carter. Gregory. Roebuck &[and] Denny. Am now preparing diagrams of fish for exhibition in the Museum. Copied part of "Souvenir D'alboni" which Walts had left.26 Tues[day]. Fish market at 5. am. Got Percalates colonorum for dissection. As all the sheep are killed outside the city they are seldom seen in the streets, a small flock I saw to day was followed by crowds of children who possibly had never seen "sheep" Before "mutton". Enough. [42]
27. Wed[nesday]. Attended meeting of Linnean Society in Philip Street and com- municated Ogilby's paper on five new Australasian fishes.28 Thur[sday]. Letter from Father &[and] a powerful W[ater]-color drawing, Report of Leeds Astronomical Society from Washington Teesdale and a cost-card from Wilfrid written from Settle he being "en tramp" Miss Manning called to see me had flute lesson in the Evening and afterwards visited Olliffe whom I learnt was ill. I found him in [43]
a private hospital &[and] stayed an hour or more29 Fri[day]. Bought music Canterbury second-hand for 19[shillings]/- went to Fish Market 5 am. bought Horse Mackerel (Pelamys Chilensis) of which I commenced to make a drawing in the evening.30 Sat[urday]. Hedley called in the afternoon, I lent him 3 negatives of line illus- trations. he is going to try Photo- lithography we all went to Double Bay. In the Evening I cut up old photo-book to make two "snap-shot" albums. [44]
July.1. Sun[day]. Hoar frost on the grass this morning early, &[and] in the middle of the day the sun was hot. Went round by the Lady Macquaries Chair in the
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musical evening. [45]
4. Wed[nesday]. Bought Photoline Co[mpany]'s views of Sydney 1[shilling]/6[pence] to send to Father, and from him I received Post card, 2 small Oil painting, Marine and woodland bits. Letter paper. (Whatmans) Letter from Shaw asking us for tomorrow. I accepted the invitation I am thinking of attending the Brisbane meeting of the Austra[ian] Assoc[iation] for Adv[ancement] of Science Commencing Jan[uary] 14th. reduced fares &c[et cetera] and a good opportunity of getting into Queensland. Whitelegges spent the evening with us. [46]
5 Thur[sday]. Had lesson on Flute and then went to Shaws.6. Fri[day] Bought a lot of Second-ha[n]d music. I gave 17[shillings]/6[pence] for 8 books bound in leather of Kuhlan's complete duets for Piano and Flute (Nos[numbers] 1-16) &[and] Hauptmann's Sonatas for Piano &[and] Flute (Nos[numbers] 1-7). For 3[shillings]/6[pence] I also bought a lot a sheet music mixed up which took me the whole evening (&[and] longer) to sort out and I find I have the following the first lot being as in the bound volumes but [47]
set for the violin. Hauptmann's Sonatas. €» 1. Viol[in] complete Piano incompl[ete] €» 2. "[ditto] incompl[ete] "[ditto] "[ditto] €» 3. No parts represented. €» 4. All complete. €» 5 Vive complete Piano incompl[ete] €» 6. All complete €» 7. All complete. In 1, 2 &[and] 5 a single sheet of each only is missing &[and] may be copied from the bound scores. Villeboeuf Caprice. Over[ture] 5. Vive complete. Piano absent Spohr. "Reiselust Vive compl[ete] Piano p[age] 29 missing Viotti. concertos for violin only No[number] 4 complete 5 d[itt]o €»[reference mark] gave Hauptmann's Sonatas to Jessie Walker. Nov[ember].1.1895 [48]
De Beriot. 4th Air. Viol[in] complete Piano: absent ex p 11. 5th Air. Viol[in] compl[ete]. Piano pages 13 to end missing 6th Air. All complete.Hummel Grand Trios for viol[in]. or flute. Cello and Piano. 7 written. 1. Flute absent 2. Viol[in] absent & piano p 3- 3. "[ditto] "[ditto] "[ditto] 17- 4. Flute absent 5. "[ditto] "[ditto] 6. All complete 7. Viol[in] absent.Hummel Nocturne. Viol[in] &[and] Piano. All complete Mayseder. Air varie Viol[in] &[and] Piano - All complete [49]
Kreuber. Sonatas for Viol[in] with bass. No piano written! Lettre A. complete "[ditto] B. d[itt]o Florillo. Etudes for Violin. 36 studies complete. Prout Quintett. 1 &[and] 2 Viol[in] Viola 'cello & piano complete. Prout Quartett. 1 &[and] 2 Viol[in] Viola &[and] 'cello complete Molique Concerto. Flute & Piano (4 hands) Complete.Clinton. Bagatelles - for Flute and Piano Set 1. No[number] 1. Complete "[ditto] 1. "[ditto] 2. "[ditto] < "[ditto] 1. "[ditto] 3. "[ditto]> No[number]
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3. I had previously see- Book 36. M[ar]ch 14th. - gave it to Whitelegge. [50]
Clinton Bagateelles cont[inue]d Set 3 No[number]. 2 complete Clinton Cavatinas for Flute and Piano Ser[ies] 2 No[number] 1. complete € [reference mark] "[ditto] 2 No[number] 2. Flute missing €»[reference mark] 2 No[number] 3 Piano missing "[ditto] 4 No[number] 1. Complete "[ditto] 4 No[number] 2 "[ditto] Wallich. Mazurka. For Flute &[and] piano complete Weber. Trio No[number] 3. Flute absent. 'Cello complete Piano pp[ages]19 - missing Müller. 1. Norma. Trio. viol[in] (Flute) Viola Piano complete. 2. W[illia]m Tell. Trio Flute incomplete. Hummel. Grande Sonates. [51]
for Piano and Violin - OEuv. 3. complete. "[ditto] 5. Piano incomplete "[ditto] 19(5). complete. "[ditto] 37. Piano absent "[ditto] 61 complete. Bennett. 4th concerto- for Piano Complete. Macfarren Mountain Sream for Piano complete Author? Rise Swiss Lad. for Piano incomplete I afterwards bought the following for 6d. Clinto cavatinas for Flute and Piano Ser[ies] 1 No 3 complete.€» "[ditto] 2 No 3 piano (see above) "[ditto] 3 No 2 complete------€»[reference mark] now completed.€ completed. see 24th [52]
7. Sat[urday]. In the afternoon I went to Double Bay &[and] at night finished arranging the music.8. Sun[day]. Wrote to Wilfrid and Father (Jacana on the envelope). Took Rose to the Botanic Gardens in the afternoon. I repadded the lower holes of the flute, as I had much difficulty in blowing low C &[and] C #[sharp]. The repadding very much improved it9. Mon[day]. All the Scientific Staff took council with Etheridge reflecting the future printing of our labels. I bought the [53]
extra flute music entered at the end of the 6th inst[ant]. After a very long spell of fine weather we had heavy rains today. Bound one the Snap Shot Albums at night. Posted English letters and views of Sydney to Father.10 Tues[day]. Am now working at the Osteological col- lection in store room Fine weather again.11 Wed[nesday]. Letter from Father sent my bank book to Controller to have interest entry corrected To the end of 1893 £[pound]1-16-4 had been (Bank Book No.[number] 10630) [54]
Allowed but without counting other entries I had had £[pound]100. in for 6 months which at 4%[percent] would yield £[pound]2 Received this letter from Paterson to day:- [folded letter] and replied as below '43 Barcom Avenue [55] future worth.
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Sydney 9.7.[18]94Dear Waite, Have been intending to call onyou - but have been very pushed - and am verytired. Have not yet written Messrs Reynolds &[and] Bransonas the matter of com[missio]n to you for introduction has beena cause of hesitancy. I had hoped to be able to reduce pricebut trials show me that I cannot as yet reduce proportion ofgold in the alloy. Your intro[duction] is valuable no doubt, but doesnot represent continuous pit me trouble so 'I think should havea limit - in aggregate - I based my quotation to R[eynolds] &[and] B[ranson] on(among other matters) a 3d[pence] per oz[ounce] com[mission] to you. If you under--stood differently let it be so but I w[oul]d like to receive from yousome suggestion as to above hinted limitations. I am oftenin at Darlinghurst R[oa]d &[and] w[oul]d be glad to see you Dr H[arr]y Lyons
Darlinghurst 11 July 94Dear Paterson, I have received your letter of the 9th inst[ant] under sig- nature "H[arry]y Lyons" and I regret that you have hesitated in negotiating the sale of the amalgam out of consideration for me, with regard to the commission to be paid me it must be within your memory that to provide for this 6d[pence] per oz[ounce] was added to the Sydney whole- -sale price (17[shillings]/6[pence]) as the cost to the Leeds firm (1st) If my introduction is not worth sixpence per oz[ounce] I am afraid I can have [56]
been of but little service to you. I have to day a letter from my Father wherein he writes;- "I also saw Mr Branson and named the amalgam to him; he had been in London and left some with 2 different people who, he says, will give a non-prejudicial re- port in a month or two, and then if satisfactory, business will ensure. Bran- -son seems hopeful." I am, dear Paterson yours faithfully E[dgar]R[avenswood]W[aite]. [57]
12. Thur[sday]. Wrote to Shaw &[and] asked him for Tuesday and Walker for Saturday. Bought 2 yards Binders cloth for building music 3[shillings]/- Father sent me "Rimembranze Napoletane." Got some of our photos at Creelmans Had flute lesson, afterwards called to see Oliffe, he is somewhat improved. Received June Naturalist.13. Fri[day] Bound piano parts of music lately received from England per Wilfrid. Received Bank book 6[shillings/8[pence] had been added to the interest to the end of 1893 it having been that sum in error [58]
14. Sat[urday]. Cablegram from Branson - (below) [folded paper][59]
ISSUED FORM.New South Wales Electric Telegraphy. INTERNATIONAL LINE.TELEGRAM from Leeds StationAddressed to Waite Museum Sydney5 Pound
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alloyDate 13thTime 11h. 12a
Saw Paterson who gave me the Amalgam &[and] asked me to send it He agreed to give me sixpence per ounce by way of commission. Letters from Shaw and Walker neither of whom could accept the in- vitations for Tues[day] &[and] Sat[urday] respectively. I wrote to Mrs Forde and told her of Oliffe's serious condition, also suggesting that she should see him. Stitched the flute part of the music mentioned on the 13th. [60]
15. Sun[day]. Walked with Rose to Maroubra after dinner. Bush flowers in bloom, got some Agavas strayed from a coastal garden. A Whale had been seen off the Bay in the morning. At night I finished my building.16. Mon[day]. Wrote Branson sent off Amalgam 1[shilling]/6[pence] Photos of Rose and self to Father &[and] Mrs Bowling &[and] one of self for Y[orkshire].N[aturalists'].U[nion] album to Roebuck. A letter from Paterson telling me De Salis's had to leave Tharwa (Bank complications) [61]
wrote application signed by Hedley and self for taking Annual leave of 1894 in Jan[uary] 1895 in order to attend the Brisbane meeting of the A[ustralian].A[ssociatian for the].A[dvancement of] Science. Tomorrow to be half day holiday at the Museum, and my week on! I attended a balcony meeting of Martin the freetrade Can- -didate.17. Tues[day]. Election day. I recorded my vote early for Martin Letter from Will in Zoutpansburg Rowling came in the evening. Flute &[and] piano. [62]
Freetraders in with a good majority including our man Martin.18. Wed[nesday] Paterson called at Fallowfield re[garding] the Alloy and I arranged to see him at 5.0 on Friday. Received the remainder of photos 2[shillings]/9[pence] more to pay for extra position (Rose)19. Thur[sday]. Letter from Mrs Forde asking Hedley &[and] ourselves for Sunday. Wrote to Walker asking him for Saturday. Flute lesson. New duos Kuhlan Op[us] 81. Sent Watts 2 pieces of music by Clinton. [63]
20 Fri[day]. Wrote to Father enclosing separate slip re[garding] Dr Tarrant scandal without naming anyone. At noon I called at Frost &[and] Shiphams &[and] found that they had a second- -hand ¼ plate Rover Camera for which they wanted £[pound]3. I bought it &[and] they delivered it charged. At 5.0 I went to Paterson's and remained testing the Amalgam until 6.0 brought away 2 ingots of the slower setting alloy to forward to Branson. In the evening I commenced to write an article [left margin] (See Aug[ust] 2) [64]
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on 'Dust'with special reference to Museum cases &[and] thought out some new ideas with the idea of reading the paper at Brisbane. Walker called &[and] excused himself for tomorrow saying he was going to recruit his health at Manly21 Sat[urday]. At the Museum all day. Stitched some of Clinton's pieces of which I have sufficient to bind, wrote Branson told him I was sending more Alloy on account of the superiority but rapid setting properties [65]
of the lot forwarded last week. Etheridge promised to assist me with providing apparatus I require for experimenting on dust in cases.22. Sun[day]. Went to Ferndale in the afternoon met the Morgan Family. Mrs Forde ill in bed. I had taken her Nos.[numbers] 1 &[and] 5 of Royal Natural Hist[ory]23. Mon[day]. My postal output was a follows:- Letter &[and] Museum report to Father. Letter &[and] alloy to Branson. Letter and photos to Belle. Mr &[and] Mrs Shaw &[and] Rowling spent this evening with us. [66]
24 Tues[day]- Got the following music for 1[shilling]/- which added to my "Clinton" collection &[and] completed one part €»[reference mark] previously incomplete. Bagatelle. Ser[ies]. 3.No[Number] l. complete. Cavatinas. €»[reference mark]Ser[ies] 2 No[Number] 2 Flute part "[ditto] 3 No[Number] 1 piano missing "[ditto] 4 No[Number] 3 complete. Etheridge accepted an "invention" of mine for carrying labels. So that no adhesive labels will be required, A long strip of metal folded over at top (wider) and bottom, so that [67]
[sketch] a label could be slipped in or taken out any- where without disturbing the sequence. A strip to be fixed in front of each shelf.25. Wed[nesday]. Letter and papers from Father. A Smith Woodward sent me a Wedding card (Miss Seeley.) Attended meeting of the Linnean Soc[iety] leaving Rose at Mrs Patersons'. Lucas gave me some Typhlops from Queensland and Victoria, he has just been elected to the Council [68]
26. Thur[sday]. Walker called to see me. Had Flute lesson in the evening. Wrote to Smith Woodward
developed them at night but they were exposed too late to be of much density.29. Sun[day]. Spent the afternoon in the Botanic Gardens. Made drawing for an improved aviary in which I included one for the finches. They would get more sun and company at the back than on the front balcony.30. Mon[day]. Rose called at Ferndale and learnt that Mrs Forde is not
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considered dangerously ill up to now. In the evening I commenced [70]
to board up the fence forming the background to the aviary.31 Tues[day]. Continued this work bought some fuse wire-netting for the small bird's house - &[and] measured up for wood. -August-1. Wed[nesday] Bank-holiday 6.30 to 6.30 at the Aviary bought some 3 x 1 in[ch] wood in 24 feet lengths @[at] 1[shilling]/- per length.2. Thur. Received proofs of "Maroubra fishes" Flute lesson at night paid Watts £[pound]1-1-0 [71]
being balance for the 14 lessons. Wrote to Father &[and] gave him the information I had mentioned, but not posted on July 20th.3. Fri[day]. Photo of Beckett's Bank from Architect's original drawing from Father. Bought Bulletin to send to him as it contains a portrait of Miss Lilian Tree.4. Sat[urday]. Received invitation to read a paper at the Brisbane meeting of the Austral[ian] Ass[ociation] for Adv[ancement] of Sci[ence]:- Worked at the aviary in the afternoon. [72]
5. Sun[day]. Walked round by the Bay and exposed some plates in the Rover camera.6. Mon[day]. Posted English correspondence. Striped Opossom on the envelope to Father.
9. Thur[sday] Letter fr[om] Father Had flute lesson and spent the evening with the Rowneys. Learnt that my aplication to take 1894 holiday in Jan[uary] 1895 was granted.10 Fri[day] Bought ¼ plates. Placed the small birds into the new aviary one of the P cinctas which had been ailing died developed some snap- shot negatives in the evening11. Sat[urday]. The Walkers came to tea &[and] spent the evening with us. W[alker]. lent me Nocturne by Burgmuller to Copy. [74]
12 Sun[day]. In the morning I went by Wooloomooloo met Hedley &[and] sauntered through the gardens. Seeing Coltsfoot in flower reminded me that when in Scotland I found some boys smoking Tussalago*[Tussilago] as they called it. The first time I remember a scientific named being used trivially. In the afternoon Rose and I went to Elizabeth Bay where I left my M[anu]S[cript] of Maroubra Fishes thence we went to Ferndale and learnt [75]
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that Mrs Forde was improving13. Mon[day]. Received proof of Maroubra Fish plate. Commenced to draw a plate of butterflies for Skuse illustrating a variety of a common insect in color. A letter from Shaw in which he asked us to Summer Hill on the 22nd. Rowling came in the evening.14. Tues[day]. Bought a pair of Diamond Sparrows 2[shillings]/6[pence]. When put into the Aviary we noticed the conspicuous plaintive and monotonous note. Mag[pie] has learnt [76]
the Dog's bark &[and] "puss- puss, puss." She also whistles "Do. Me. So. Do." and nearly. Do. So. Me. Do.15. Wed[nesday]. A Red head, this morning visited the small birds &[and] remained with them through the medium of a trap cage. Letter from Branson confirming his cablegrams &[and] enclosing letters to "Lyons" which I sent to Paterson. Wrote to A[u]st[ralian] Ass[ociation for the Advancement of] Sci[ence] re[garding] their invitation received 4th. Got some wood from the landlord in order to box-in our "out- house" [77]
16. Thur[sday]. Flute lesson. I got Watts to take me at "Rimenbranze Napoletane". Partly copied the Nocturne "Les Nuermures de la Rhone."17. Fri[day]. One of the Diamond Sparrows died. Rose went to Summer Hill early in the day and I went with Etheridge when leaving Museum Bertie gave me nest of Sittella chrysoptera in situ, and some skins of birds. Returned by 10.30 train.18. Sat[urday]. Wrote to Shaw accepting invitation. Sent Mrs Rowney. 2- [78]
tuning forks from which to time her piano. I finished copying the nocturne.19. Sun[day]. Spent morning in painting a "splasher" for Rose. Wrote Father drawing Pteropus on the envelope. Paterson came in the evening when we had a talk about Branson's letter and the alloy.20. Mon[day]. Cox gave me a Peramels nasuta alive. I placed it in the old aviary. When held it struggled violently and powerfully to release itself but did not [79]
attempt to bite and although it used its claws it did not ap- pear to be vindictive. When placed on two inches of soil over the wooded floor it tried to burrow and seemed rather to push its front paws forward than to scratch but owing to its peculiar feet this might be more apparent than real. The only P cuicta I now have since losing its mate has been very vindic- tive, but after the Diamond Sparrow died the remaining one &[and] [80]
the cuicta appear to have considered them- -selves companions in bereavenient and now sit side by side to their mutual pleasure. Received an Aspidites from Bourke for deter- mination, per Froggatt. To day the new Tram Cable was laid being worked by 33 horses. I gave the Bandicoot some bread milk &[and] cut-up cooked beef, also a carrot and portions
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of apple and potato. When dark I heard it eating under the mass of [81]
straw I had placed for bedding, when I struck a light I found that the saucer of bread &c[et cetera] had been drained of milk the meat &[and] part of the bread had disappeared as had also both the apple and potato it was no doubt one of these that the animal was gnawing as the carrot was untouched.21. Tues[day] Went to Macleay Museum re[garding] type of Aspidites ramsayi it is not to be found. [82]
22. Wed[nesday]. Bought a pair? of Diamond Sparrows 1[shilling]/6[pence] Joseph asked me to look at a flute of peculiar make by Cor- nelius Ward. I went by 7.35 train to Summer Hill (Speares) Rose remaining at home on account of the wet. Music dancing &c[et cetera]. I reached home at 12.30.23. Thur[sday]. Letter from Father enclosing small photo. Miss Hobcroft to tea she has left Mrs P[aterson]. (that's in rhyme don't you C) wrote to Dr Ramsay re[garding] the Aspidites ramsayi Flute lesson No[number].12 [83]
24. Fri[day]. My week on late duty bought some photo[graphic] materials. Received gas a/c[account] £[pound]1-12-4.25. Sat[urday. At Museum in the afternoon. Went out in the evening &[and] made Sundry purchases. Frame for Splasher 2[shillings]/6[pence]. Pincers 1[shilling]/3[pence] &[and] an Oil Color Box with some colors second-hand 10[shillings]/-26. Sun[day]. I gave the Bandicoot a piece of roasted rabbit (cold), he soon tackled it &[and] held it between his fore feet eating or rather biting it not like a rodent but with the side of [84]
his jaw his narrow teeth in front are evidently not adapted for such work. He however laps milk in the usual way scooping it up with his very longe tounge. Wrote to Wilfrid asked him to send me Terschak's "Le Babillard" &[and] "Allegro de Concert" and also to make inquiries re[garding] Rudal Carte's Flutes.27. Mon[day] Made some wire nests for the finches. Rowling came in the evening when we had our usual musical practice. [85]
28. Tues[day]. Bought some wire netting &[and] made a 'run' for Bandicoot with wooden floor to prevent burrowing.29. Wed[nesday]; Attended meeting of Linnean Society having first visited Olliff who has now been 2 months in bed. At the meeting I exhibited two molluscs Potamides ebeninum &[and] Arca trapezia, both exposed for sale in the fish market.30. Thur[sday]. Flute lesson (13th) Rose had teeth attended to at Paterson's. [86]
31. Fri.[day] Wrote my note on the Bourke snake entitled it "Redescription of Aspidites ramsayi. Macleay? _" I called on Jepson re[garding] Rowling it appeared that he might find a place for him in the office. Wrote to Rowling asking him to come to tea tomorrow - Pay day -
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paid gas bill £[pound]1-12-4. Mrs North went to see Rose in afternoon and stayed to tea. [87]
September.1 Sat[urday]. Hedley dropped in unexpectedly and Rowling also came to tea. Told latter about Jepson when he arranged to see him on Monday. The wet weather has set - in with a vengeance.2 Sun[day] - Wet - indoors, fitted up striking-clock brought from England. Wrote to Father drew a Pygopus on the envelope.3 Mon[day]: Went to the scene of the great fire of Saturday night and witnessed a complete [88]
wreck. Received p[ar]t 1 of the 1894 Linnean N[ew].S[outh].W[ales] containing my Typhlopidae.4 Tues[day] booked seats for "Charley's Aunt Stalls 10[shillings]/- for Thursday, Rowling came in the evening.5 Wed[nesday]. The rain which has fallen incessantly for several day*[days] ceased to day &[and] in sunshine I exposed some plates in the "Rover" on the scene of the fire, the Town Hall &[and] the Museum on developing them at night I found I had some excellent negatives. [89]
6 Thur[sday]: Wrote to Shaw &[and] asked him for Tuesday next. Had letter from Gregory in reply to mine re[garding] flute &[and] one from Dad. 14th &[and] last Flute lesson then we went to see "Charley's Aunt" it was well staged and As Fanny expressed herself, screamingly funny.7. Fri[day] Received reprints of my paper on the Typhlopidae one with a letter reminding him of his promise to send me the specimens in the Adelaide Museum [90]
I sent to Dr Stirling called round with Whitelegge to see Olliff I left Whitelegge there &[and] he followed me to tea at Fallowfield. To day Etheridge told me of arrangements he hoped to be able to carry out. viz[videlicet = that is] To give me the Central Hall for Fishes and Reptiles (upper floor) &[and] he said "You will have your own way in the arrangement entirely &[and] any assist- ance I can give you, you shall have" [91]
8. Sat[urday]. With North we took 12.30 train to Ashfield, after diner he &[and] I proceeded to Enfield. Found nests of Coach Whip bird &[and] Yellow Robin containing eggs also new nests of Red-heads. Although I had taken the Rover the afternoon turned out too dull to do any photography we returned by 9. train. Bought "Bean" match- box for Wilfrid. 4[shillings]/- Letter from Shaw he is engaged on Monday asked him to come on Thursday [in]'stead. [92]
9. Sun[day]. Left Redfern by 9.10 train with Whitelegge &[and] others for Lady Robinson's Beach (Botany Bay) after leaving the train a private tramway took us to the beach the Engine made by Huds- -well Clarke &[and] Co[mpany] and the driver a Leeds man. Made our way along the beach to a tent used by the surveyors Mr Godden in charge this day, at whose in
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vitiation we went. There were numbers of Alauda arvensis in full song We saw some fishers [93]
draw their nets and got some smaller of the prey, Therapon sex- lineatus being the best10 Mon[day] Sent reprints of my second paper on Typhlopidae to - McCoy de Vis, Roebuck. Father Boulenger and copies of this &[and] former paper to Leeds Naturalist's Club addressed to Addyman Sent the Bean Match Box to Wilfrid. In the evening I took Rowling to Henry V first night. Rignold Her Majesty's Theatre When the first curtain fell, one of the men [94]
having overstepped the line was borne down like a ninepin &[and] left in wonderment &[and] pain on the audience side, his helmet sub- sequently smouldering at the foot-lights.11. Tues[day]. The Bandicoot got away as I had not secured the 'run' sufficiently. Although I saw his scratchings at several places in the garden I could not find him and concluded he had got under the gate &[and] into the road. see the 13th. Rose bought sheets 10[shillings]/- [95]
12 Wed[nesday]. Took to pieces the shutter of the "Rover" in order to adapt a pneumatic arrangement Bought 2 small files 1[shilling]/-13 Thur[sday] Commenced to fit-up shutter but was stopped by the coming of Mr.&[and] Mrs. Shaw and Rowling, Etheridge handed me a letter from Lucas asking permission to be allowed to work through and describe with me the Lizards in the Museum. This in consequence of some conversation we had when I promised to "go through" the collection with him &[and] [96]
show him what we have. Etheridge replied that I should "work" at the Lizards myself. While Rose was at the back she heard the Bandicoots' saucer rattle &[and] rushed to tell me that the animal had returned[.] I had previously placed milk in a saucer and meat on a board in the same place always. &[and] as the opening had been left ajar for Mag to go in the Bandicoot having been without food since the 4th had remembered its former feeding place &[and] returned [97]
the food which I gave it was eaten quite fearlessly &[and] ravenously The animal evidently has much intelligence after its hunger was appeased it at once made for the (now) closed opening &[and] tried all it knew to effect an exit nor did it attempt to escape at any other point.14 Fri[day]. Finished the shutter which works tip-top I also attended to the view meter which was not true - Coated a ginger-jar, preparatory to painting it. [98]
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15 Sat[urday] Ordered from Angus &[and] Robertson's the Paper &[and] Handbook to complete my series of Fisheries Exhib[ition]:- publication In the evening I took Rose to "Paddy's Market." one of the sights of Sydney. Bought. Mincing machine 6[shillings]/6[pence] Sold at Horderns at 8[shillings]/9[pence].16 Sun[day]. In the morning I took the Rover by the wharves at Woo- loomooloo &[and] exposed some plates which in development proved to be good. Bertie Etheridge came in the afternoon we walked [99]
round by Double Bay he stayed until 10.0 I have previously men- -tioned that Mag has a variety of notes but Jakko has a stock phrase only; it is:- [music notation] occasionally varied in minor points. So far as I have tried, the pitch is the same. Has the bird really the gift of absolute pitch?17. Mon[day]. Bought six ¼-plate damaged printing frames for sixpence each. Made drawing [100]
rack for ¼ plates.18. Tues[day].Rowling camei n the evening.19. Wed[nesday]. Letter from Dr Stirling to say that he would send me the Typholopidae as soon as he could get tat them. Letters from Father &[and] Wilfrid and papers from the former &[and] Potter. To day we got 4 Dendrolagus died on their way to the Melbourne Zoo. Etheridge asked me to look into them, this I did with the result D. bennettianus. de Vis described from a [101]
Ringarooma -Barge.Divers down bubblesAir pump &[and] indicatorsCanvas
defective skin. I sent in to Linnean Soc[iety] title of a paper on these animals to be read next Wednesday.20. Thur[sday]. Toned a batch of prints. In the evening Miss Hopcraft came.21. Fri[day]. Cut and mounted prints gave some to Whitelegge. The weather is now becoming quite sultry.22. Sat[urday]. In the afternoon I went to Moore Park &[and] exposed some Ordinary plates in the 'Rover' the results were quite equal to the rapids. [102]
with greater density. In the evening we trotted the streets.23. Sun[day]. We left by 11.0 boat for Mossman's Bay thence walked to Balmoral Beach exposed 10 plates, returned at 4. a glorious day. developed the photos at night - good results.24. Mon[day] Rowling came in the evening25. Tues[day]. Spent all the evening in completing my paper on Dendrolagus bennettianus for the meeting of the Linnean Soc[iety], tomorrow.26. Wed[nesday]. Adv[er]t
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for the meeting to night, below [103]
[Newspaper clipping]LINNEAN SOCIETY OF N[ew].S.[outh].W[ales]. - The Ordi-nary MONTHLY MEETING of Memberswill be held THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING,26th inst[ant]., at University-chambers, 169 Phillip-st[reet]., at 8 o'clock. The following papers will beread:- 1. "On the correct habitat of PatellaPilsbryi," by J. Brazier, F[ellow].L[innean].S[ociety of London]., 2. "On twonew Molluscs, by J. Brazier, F[ellow].L[innean].S[ociety of London]. 3. "Ob-servations on Bennett's Tree Kangaroo," byE.R. Waite, F[ellow].L[innean].S[ociety of London]. J.J. FLETCHER Secretary Attended and read my paper, keeping the M[anu]S[cript] for the purpose of obtaining permission from the Trustees and for additions. Fletcher asked me to dinner to morrow in order to lend me Schlegels &[and] Muller's work on the Dendrolagi of which he (privately) had the only! copy in Australia27 Thur[sday]. Met Fletcher at Redfern 5.27 train [104]
to Stanmore, had a quiet evening &[and] took home the work on Tree Kangaroo. Received a letter from Walker suggesting that we joined forces for Monday holiday. Eight hour- -day. Mr Darley the harbour master arranged for Hedley &[and] myself to go down off Shark Reef in diving dresses nest Tuesday.28. Fri[day] Bought sheet zinc No[number].10 to make extra carriers for the Rover Camera, to my own idea worked at them at night. [105]
29. Sat[urday]. My week on late duty. I toned some prints at the Museum in afternoon Yesterday I called to see Jepson re[garding] Rowling he expected to have a vacancy in a month. Received letters from Father &[and] Wilfrid. Rose had them from Fanny &[and] Belle. I wrote Father, &[and] finished "Rover" carriers. (2 doz[en]). in the evening. Called to see Walker, asked them to tea tomorrow to discuss arrangements for Monday. [106]
30. Sun[day]: Mounted some prints. Walker came to tea &[and] stayed the evening we arranged to meet at Redfern at 9.30 tomorrow for Lilyvale.<31> -October. -1. Mon[day] Walkers and ourselves journeyed to Lilyvale where we encountered the Illawarra scrubs I took 'Rover' &[and] got some respectable pictures. I noticed a small bird hovering in a strange manner over a recumbent log. It did not seem to [107]
be aware of my close approach &[and] I went round the log to see what was the matter immediately a snake. I at once recognised as Hoplocephalus curtus darted along side the log having a stick in my hand I turned it back, it would not leave the log wh[ich] was about 15 feet long &[and] several times glided from end to end, once I pinned it near the tail when it
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went for me I struck it down which disabled it [108]
Oct[ober] on rejoining the party Walker exposed a plate on me and the snake. I should have said that as soon as the snake moved the little bird (Silver- eye? flew away - was this fascination? Cabbage Palms &[and] Tree ferns were plentiful &[and] in forks of the gum trees grew Bird nest ferns while in various parts of their trunks Stag's horns had found a growing place. Rock lillies abounded. The largest lizard I saw [109]
was Egernia cunning- hami which took secure refuge in a hollow stump. Coach whip birds were in plenty. Altogether we had an enjoyable day caught 4.45 train home. I developed in the evening.2 Tues[day]. Met Hedley at the Museum at 9.0. a letter awaiting us from Grimshaw asking us to be at Circular quay at 10.0 at which time we turned-up. A government launch came for us but Mr. Darley having promised [110] to take his brother x[reference]to see the war ship"Ringarooma" invitedus to accompany themwe steamed up theParamatta*[Parramatta] River andfound the Ringaroomain dry dock afterher release from thecoral reef. She hadbeen damaged, butlittle. I exposed plateson her when we wentaboard &[and] were shownthe conning towerwhence the ship isfought, crammed withappliances, speakingtubes, electrical ap-x[reference] Sir Fred[ric]k Darley [111]
pliances, sighting &[and] torpedo firing switches &c[et cetera], then we saw the guns, quick firing, Nordenfeldts, &c[et cetera]&c[et cetera]. Moved &[and] sighted with ease &[and] without machinery so beautifully are they balanced. Having learnt much we rejoined the launch &[and] steamed back to Princes Stairs where the Chief Justice went ashore. It was now 12 o'clock &[and] soon after we started for Shark reef, this is a hidden range of rock covered but dangerous to large vessels at low [112]
tide it is therefore being blasted portions of the loosened rock are passed into deep water while others are craned up &[and] placed in a large barge. As we arrived the two divers just came up &[and] we naturally looked at them critically to see what effect the the immersion had had upon them. I noticed that they sat quietly until their massive "armour" was removed a position I did not fully realise until afterwards. [113]
we were told that a blast was about to be fired &[and] on turning the switch a violent report took place but I did not perceive any movement or disturbance of the water. The divers said that the tide was running out very strongly and as it was equally ap- -parent below with
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above we waited two hours, &[and] passed the time in inspecting the arrangements &[and] asking questions &c[et cetera]. A large flat barge [114]
strongly anchored was the base of operations at one end a short ladder hung over &[and] dipped 6[six] feet into the water, a couple of yards from this were some backless seat whereon the divers sat while being dressed and unrobed as it is simply impossible to dress oneself, further back were 4 boxes each provided with two wheel-handles these were the air pumps each worked by two men who [115]
are guided in their actions by a needle moving over a dial which shows the pressure obtained. On one side was a rectangular opening to admit the air which after going through the pumps is conveyed to the helmet of the diver through canvas covered tubes, coils of these lay on the deck each length carefully made up into large coils to prevent kinking. The cranes, Engines [116]
&c[et cetera] were chiefly con- fined to a special barge adjoining - we were told that we might experience pain in the ears which would perhaps become distracting as we descended but would pass away in five minutes leaving not- -hing more than a headache for the rest of the day. In the meantime the two men got dressed and went down, I had imagined that the air would be sent down one tube &[and] return by [117]
another, instead it escapes by a valve which also allows any excess of pressure to escape, more air is therefore sent down than is absolutely required, there is also a tap in the helmet which may be opened if the pressure becomes too great but as this is not controlled by a valve water may get in if the pressure is reduced too much It was easy to watch the course of the men by the masses of air rising to the surface [118]
&[and] bubbling up, due allowance being made for currents &c[et cetera]. I was surprised at the distance the men travelled &[and] mentally resolved that I would not leave the barge so far. Even as the surface was approached the divers could not be well seen in consequence of the opacity caused by the deterioration of the water. After being down what seemed to me an immensely long time the divers ascended &[and] announced [119]
the the tide had considerably abated they brought up with them some fish they had speared, Coris lineolatus &[and] After divesting ourselves of coat &[and] vest together with coins knife &[and] anything hard in our pockets, we seated ourselves on the seats &[and] removed shoes - collar &c[et cetera], also collar stud, these "hard" things we were told would be
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forced against us by the great pressure of the [120]
water &[and] become painful we were informed that a diver would each take us in hand. I was to have the foreman Mr. Cameron &[and] Hedley Mr. Stirling the former had on one occasion been down to the prodigious depth of 140 feet. We were to be taken 25 feet &[and] more if we
the top of our thighs &[and] thick jerseys. One of the men offered me a woollen cap "No thank you". The Diver said that was well it might slip over my eyes and as it could not be reached with the hands might become somewhat awkward next the boots were brought they were enormous in size &[and] weight, of stout leather and thick straps the toes shod with immense cups of brass &[and] the soles [122]
with lead an inch thick. They were placed upon scales &[and] each weighed 22 „”s[pounds] before these were donned I was put into the dress made of waterproof canvas reaching to the neck &[and] wholly encasing the feet on to which strapped At the shoul- ders the dress was surmounted &[and] attached to an immense shoul[der] plate passing over the upper part of the chest and back &[and] studded with [123]
screws over which was passed a broad india rubber collar which fitted the brass plate &[and] studded with holes corresponding with the screws. A neck piece was then attached by means of nuts which were turned home on to the screw with a key. The arms of the dress terminated in cuffs about 8 inches in length of thick india-rubber. As my wrists were somewhat thin, this was supplemented [124]
by several stout rubber bands, &[and] I was told that I might imbibe a little water at the wrists in spite of all these precautions but I was not to get alarmed. Hedley who was being sem- ultaneously dressed required even more precaution in this direction than I. Although the cuffs were hot very tight fitting above my hands had to be soaped &[and] considerable force applied by two [125]
men to get them on. Having got on so far we were raised to our feet &[and] Mr Grimshaw to whom I had handed the Rover exposed 2 plates on the four of us &[and] I said he might use the camera as he liked. Our two leaders were next helmeted and descended the ladder at the bottom of which they would wait for us. The collar-piece I have mentioned terminated
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above in a raised [126]
circular rim with intermittent threads thus:- the inner [sketch] rim of the helmet has antagonistic threads so that when placed on &[and] turned is fixed in position, considerable force has to be used to do this however The helmet is a large &[and] massive affair &[and] is fixed to move with the body only the head can be moved more or less freely inside and sight may be ob- [127]
tamed through 3 glazed port holes of which the front one is removable - all these windows have a downwards aspect so that the ground may be seen without bending the body unduly forward. It is,as I found somewhat difficult to obtain an up-
thrown me backwards Towards the back of the helmet the air tube enters, when on the body this latter is brought down &[and] secured in front to prevent any tension at its at- -tachment. At the top is the air valve &[and] towards one side the cock previously mentioned - A stout canvas coat was placed [sketch] over me &[and] a rope passed under my arms and secured from slipping [219]
downwards. The total weight of my rigging was about 2 cwt[hundredweight] &[and] I had to be assisted to the ladder. The helmet &[and] shoulder piece was so heavy as to cause me pain while in the air, this was increased by placing heavy lead weights one on my chest &[and] the other on my back &[and] lashed into position it will be gathered that the only parts of me that were free were my hands. I reached the ladder &[and] with difficulty [130]
got my feet on to the rungs gently of necessity. I got down, the men started the air pump I heard the air rush into the helmet &[and] the face piece was screwed on. Here unknown to me Mr Grimshaw exposed a plate
air rushing out through the helmet it sounded like a waterfall on my head which I soon forgot. On reaching the bottom rung of the ladder I let go &[and] felt myself seized by my conductor &[and] together we quietly &[and] gently glided down the light deepening as we descended very soon it seemed to me my foot touched the ground from which I slightly
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rebounded &[and] then came to a stop. I felt no dif- faculty whatever in [132]
breathing &[and] in fact seemed scarcely aware that I was not breathing under or- dinary conditions. I experienced no pain &[and] was just conscious of increased pressure in my right ear not noticing it in my left ear in which the tympanum is perforate. I soon found great difficulty in moving and it was with
his right side a small slate with a pencil attached by string &[and] on it wrote "How do your feel?" "Comfortable" I wrote. The slate is also used for sending up messages respecting the management of the crane &[and] other matters. My conductor took hold of me &[and] commenced to lead me away. What a slow process. I could scarcely move, not on account of my own weight, this was nothing in the water [134]
but on account of its density &[and] as my feet were the heavier I found that the upper part of the body inclined forward the feet dragging behind hence I saw the necessity of the thick toe-caps. We settled down in 25 feet &[and] the bottom having been blasted showed masses of Sandstone which even at that depth was
occasion the water was illuminated by bright sunshine. When I came to a hole or rock I felt inclined to creep about as though I was on dry land My guide drew out his slate &[and] wrote "don't be afraid" I then found that if I wanted to go into any hole I had only to step off &[and] glided so gently downward also if an incline had to be ascended a spring would lift [136]
me a little way off my feet &[and] I should again settle down but every movement was conducted in a most deliberate way to reach anything at my feet was a task it took some time to bring down the air laden upper part (helmet) &[and] I can only describe my movements as similar to (only more laborious) those of a man recently blinded. Generally I was quite warm but a chilling at the wrists told [137]
me that a little water was entering once or twice my guide turned the cock in his helmet &[and] also in mine from which the air escaped with a rush. During the whole time he kept hold of me for I had much difficulty in balance- -ing myself except when moving forward the current might have something to do with this as I found I moved less slowly in one direction than in [138]
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another. I soon got accustomed to seeing things around me but found my area of vision limiting to a few yards. I was quite at sea as to my bearings &[and] literally had no idea where I was. It was not the intention of my guide that I should remain on blasted ground so we groped our way lower &[and] then what sightings I saw looking into a gully filled with waving seaweed. All about [139]
were lovely colored Sponges some of them had valves at their orifices and closed when anything came near them - Purple boltinias stood up like mushrooms. Perhaps the most beautiful of all were the nudibranchs gliding through the water with delicate motions I saw many fish they swam about us &[and] between our legs without fear, What astonished me was that I [140]
could not name them &[and] it was some time before I grasped the sit- -uation, here were fish about a foot long whose form &[and] markings seemed quite familiar, then came a most gigantic fish like Enoplosus armatus &[and] I realised that everything was being magnified - then names began to come. One I had puzzled over was I recognised none other than the [141]
little Fortescue - Gentropus australis Chaetodon strigatus was very common seen from above they appeared to be mere dark streaks that when they came on a level with my windows their true form was seen - The fish appeared to be as little cap- able of rapid or sudden motion as ourselves and all movement was car- ried on
it was more dif- ficult to locate an object that it is above water with one eye shut &[and] I could only ap- proach
got myself turned round &[and] we shook hands &[and] exchanged visual greetings thro[ugh] our windows, then the figures moved upwards &[and] I noticed some legs gliding up but as I could not get turned to face them quick enough nor see far towards the perpendic- -ular I lost sight of them soon. Then my conductor led me deeper &[and] deeper &[and] like Dante I saw more wonders [144]
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my arm was gripped &[and] I saw the iron rod Cameron carried advanced towards an object in the sand. A stroke was made &[and] a Cat fish speared its wriggles were of the same measured nature &[and] on being released it moved towards the surface I thought. In the interest of things around me I had lost all thought of keeping near the position of our descent and placed [145]
myself unhesitatingly in the hands of my able guide. At intervals he would stop
&[and] being satisfied that I was all right would put up his slate. My collecting instincts surged on me and going through a pantomimic descrip- -tion signified that I wanted the slate I wrote "I want to take something up" Then I had an Experience of collecting beneath the sea at best even to the Experience this was a slow process. Generally [147]
we had almost to lie down before we could get anything &[and] gradually amassed together some sponges &[and] other things I was sometime fumbling for a pocket which I supposed I had on back side. My guide however got me turned round &[and] made me under stand that I had but one &[and] that on my right side. I saw very few shells &[and] these mostly emp- - ty. Dark colored [148]
Aplysias crawled about the rocks &[and] on being disturbed ejected their pro- -tecting liquid which purpled the water for some distance around. Every valley &[and] ridge we traversed unfolded new scenes more beautiful &[and] delicate than any- thing I had seen &[and] were emphatic denials of the common expression that every thing of beauty is to gladden the heart of
exists for no other purpose. Such sights are well calculated to make us realise that we are but one of the numerous animals peopling the earth &[and] ought to knock the conceit out of some of us. I found that by pressing my arms to my side I side I forced the air upwards &[and] more escaped by the valve. After we had glided up hill &[and] down hill for a considerable [150]
time my conducted wrote "would you like to go up" I gave another body nod. I saw him busy with the ropes &[and] he led me up rising ground for some way &[and] then tugged our ropes without exactly knowing how I was conscious of the ground receding below me, the water
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got lighter &[and] brighter - I per- ceived the foot of the ladder &[and] with [151]
the assistance of my conductor got on to the lowest step. As soon as I got my head above water I was painfully conscious of the weight under which I was moving I paused a moment or two while my face glass was unscrewed the air pump was stopped &[and] I was assisted on to deck, placed on one of the seats glad enough to remain quiet while the armour was [152]
removed, a little water had got in at the wrists but it was inconsiderable otherwise I was quite dry. When I was disrobed I began to take an interest in things above ground once more. On asking where Hedley was I was referred to his bubbles a long distance out &[and] expressing aston- ishment that he had gone so far was more astonished when I was told [153]
that I had been
probably due to grasping polyps &[and] sponge spinules. My shoulders ached &[and] were quite bruised with the weight I had borne. This experience ie.[id est "that is"] that of walking at the bottom of the sea is I can confidently say is the most marvellous of any- thing I have before undergone. Exclusive of fish already mentioned the fol- lowing is a list of material brought to the surface. [155]
[156]
3. Wed[nesday]. Felt stiff to- day my shoulders very sore from the pressure of the diving dress &c[et cetera]. Paterson came in the evening. The photos taken yesterday were on the whole pas- -sable.4. Thur[sday]. Went to Shaw's in the evening, a large company present. Sent copy of my last paper (published) to Steindachner. Received 2 Typhlops from Melbourne University to dertermine (T. polygrammicus)5. Fri[day] English mail in Sep[tember] 'Naturalist' only. [157]
Toned a batch of prints The Widowed P. cinta has been very busy nesting but I cannot obtain a cock bird, this is a pity as the hen is now laying.6. Sat[urday]. Suddenly hot weather
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set in I felt very lazy in afternoon &[and] did very little work.7. Sun[day]. Stacked away my ¼ plate negatives and mounted prints. Wet in the afternoon. In the evening I wrote descriptive labels for Mustelidæ &[and] Herpestiæ for Museum purposes. [158]
8. Mon[day]. Rowling here in the evening.9. Tues[day]. We spent this evening with Mrs Forde (to whom I gave 2 copies of her portrait) and the Morgan family.10. Wed[nesday]. Letter from Father &[and] Chadwick, the former sent me a photo of himself I had taken some years ago. I spent all the evening with Olliff who is still in bed but he says improving slowly.11. Thur[sday]. Commenced to make drawing of the skull if Dendrolagus [159]
bennettiaius - Miss Hobcraft spent the evening with us. She is in a fortnight going to Paterson as one of his Secretaries.12 Fri[day] Letter from Mrs Down asking us for Sunday, when "Diving" on the 2nd I pulled up various organisms &[and] on leaving I was conscious of a nettling effect which passed away to day however it recurred &[and] became very painful, temporarily relieved by bathing in hot water, the effect passed away on Sunday. [160]
Commenced to write a popular account of my diving experiences with the idea of sending it to the Yorkshire Weekly Post.13. Sat[urday]. Wrote to Father &[and] Roebuck. I told the latter I was enclosing my paper and asked him to see it through the "Y[orkshire] W[eekly] Post" Wrote further at the paper. In the afternoon we walked by Double Bay.14. Sun[day]. Trotted round Botanic Gardens in the morning. We took 12 Boat to Woolwich &[and] stayed until the 9.0 [161]
boat. Heavy rain.15. Mon[day]. Posted letter to Father also to Roebuck to whom I sent the paper &[and] two diving photos. Rowling came in the evening. Finished drawings of Skull of Dendrolagus, profile above &[and] below. (2 plates).16. Tues[day]. Holiday tomorrow in Consequence of the death of Sir Alfred Stevens aged 92 and formally crown trustee Commenced a colored drawing of Dendrolagus. Letter from Mrs Furber asking us for tomorrow evening. To day Hedley [162]
told me that the field Nat[uralist] Club of N[ew].S[outh].W[ales] which had been now est[ablished] for 8 month was if possible to be re in stated on new lines &[and] that a meeting would be held to night to consider the question. I went at Hedley's urgent request &[and] in spite of protestations was placed on a committee to con- sider the matter.17. Wed[nesday]. Holiday Spent all day in the back garden. Bought a bundle (80) of laths. 2[shillings]/6[pence]. &[and] made a trellis screen. fitted a door [163]
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to the Bandicoot's home, &[and] trimmed up generally. In the evening we went to Mrs Furbers. Mr F[urber] is chief cuputer to the Trigonometrical Survey here he asked me to go with him yatching*[yachting] on Sunday. Which Rose afterwards asked me to decline. The piano was much below pitch &[and] rendered flute playing impossible.18. Thur[sday]. Finished drawing of the Dendrolagus. I overhauled my duplicate bird skins &[and] found them to be in good condition. [164]
To day Etheridge asked me if I would object to serve on the Council of the Linnean Society my name would be brought forward, possibly among others to fill a vacancy &[and] he wanted to know if I would accept office if appointed. I said "I should be delighted"19. Fri[day]. Letter &[and] water color drawing of the "Needles" from Father. In the evening I attended the committee meeting for the formation of a Naturalists' Society at Starkeys' rooms [165]
He. Henn Brazier self being present, the remaining two, Headley &[and] Garland not putting in an appearance. With a remembrance of the Y[orkshire].N[aturalists'].U[nion] the name of the Society was adopted as The Naturalists' Union of N[ew] S[outh] W[ales]. We formulated the rules &[and] other matters.20. Sat[urday]. Wet all day. Upholstered the sofa the Webs having given way took pictures to be framed as follows &[and] paid £[pound]1-9-0 Portrait of J.W.Davis. 4[shillings]/- Silhouettes by Roebuck 5[shillings]/- 2 small oils by Father 5[shillings]/- [166]
&[and] also 3 Water Colors 15[shillings]/-21. Sun[day]. Took the Rover to Botanic gardens in the morning &[and] exposed a few plates. In the afternoon Rose went with me to Elizabeth Bay. In the evening I wrote to Fanny.22. Mon[day]. on my written request the landlord reduced the rent from £1[one pound] to 18[shillings]/6[pence] weekly, but I believe that some of his tenants are paying even less. Rowling came in the evening. Added to the trellis work done on the 17th. Went home to dinner as I intend [167]
to do now, the cable tram taking me for 2d[pence] called on Fletcher and left him the colored drawing of Dendrolagus. Mrs Forde visited me at the Museum.23. Tues[day]. Bertie Etheridge gave me a young Mountain Thrush - Geocichla lunulata Lath It can almost feed it- -self. I placed it with the finches &[and] made a Special perch for its use. The Bandicoot got out last night and had been gardening for me in proper? stype I found it asleep behind [168]
the organ cases and
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from the Farmers to day26. Fri[day]. Ill to day North &[and] his wife spent the Evening with us. Rose received a letter from Belle to which Herbert had added a note to the effect that the [169] letter we old school boys wrote to Ison had been received at the office of "Young Ison" &[and] had been lost "He dare not tell his father about it &[and] does not know what to do". This evening the sky op- posit the setting sun was peculiar &[and] looked as though rays were shot up from a powerful moon partly intercepted by clouds They[sketch] extended from the horizon lasted 20 minutes or so. [170]
to the Zenith. North suggested that it might be the Aurora Australis but would this occur in the East? When the sun went down the rays also disappeared. It will be understood that the rays were divergent in respect to the sun.27. Sat[urday]. At home, ill, wrote to Father. In the afternoon Mr Hill his wife & daughter house-hunting sallied past our house. They came in for ½ hour. Printed from some snap shot negatives. I [171]
noticed a fly in the Bandicoots' run per- forming some strange aerobatic feats. An Ant had attached itself to one of the fly's legs. The fly tried all it knew to shake its captor off it flew but had to descend from about a foot as the ant was somewhat heavy. It tried to get rid of it by dragging it along the ground by executing rapid movements but the ant hung on until at last probably [172]
not considering its prey worth the jostling about it loosed its hold, and the fly made good its escape. The [sketch] insects were of about this size respectively & the en- counter from the time I first saw the insects lasted about five minutes28 Sun[day] In consequence of not feeling too bright to day, I remained in doors29: Mon[day]. Rowling came in the evening. Case moving at the Museum. [173]
30. Tues[day]. Etheridge asked me if I had any good skins of Blackbirds and Robins I would exchange. For my part I selected a duplicate interleaved copy of B[ritish].M[useum]. catalogue of Marsupials &[and] Monotremes valued at £[pound]1-1-0. I offered the following:- 2 pairs Blackbirds, } and a young one. } 5 birds @[at] 2[shillings]/- } 10.0 1 pair Redbreasts and a young one } 4.6 3 birds @[at] 1[shillings/6[pence] } 1 Glaucus Gull @[at] 10[shillings]/6[pence] } 10.6 ------£[pound] 1. 5.0 ------[174]
31. Wed[nesday]. Bought Pyro. Developing dish &c[et cetera]. Etheridge asked me if I could let him have a number of Starlings for mounting in one group. I selected 12 @[at] 1[shilling]/6[pence] value 18[shillings]/- In return I went through the duplicate books at the
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Museum &[and] chose Darwin's "plants &[and] animals" worn copy 2 vol[umes] value 12[shillings]/- &[and]Bevan's New Guinea value 7[shillings]/9[pence]. Added to the former becomes:- value of birds £[pound] 2-3-0 d[itt]o books £[pound] 2-0-6 [175]
I attended meeting of the Linnean &[and] gave in title of paper Redescription of Aspidites ramsayi Macl. for next council meeting. Fletcher told me that the colored plate of Dendrolagus would cost £[pound]12 &[and] that the council could not afford this sum. Etheridge told me that the vacancy in the Council was not filled in con- sequence of the
November1. Thur[sday] English mail brought letters from father &[and] Uncle Banks. Whilst watching the lightning which now nightly plays among the clouds to the South I noticed a peculiar effect. Some large Eucalypts are in front of the clouds illuminated &[and] as a flash ran quickly along the clouds the trees appeared to move in the opposite direction I likened it to the effect produced in those grand pianos [177]
where the soft pedal moves the keyboard. This is of course the same effect as produced by any moving object as that noticed when looking from a bridge upon flowing water, the whole bridge appearing to move while the water appears stationary.2. Fri[day]. Paterson sent for me &[and] asked if we would go to the theatre with him, he went up with me to tea &[and] then took up to the "Tivole" the variety Theatre of Sydney, and one of the sights to be seen once at least [178]
3 Sat[urday]. Being my "week- on" I was at the Museum until 5.0 &[and] toned a batch of prints.4 Sun[day]. Ill. No doubt due to the great heat which reached 92°[degrees] to day.5 Mon[day] Letter from Father Rowling did not come in the evening deterred doubtless by the heat Naturalist. (October) fr[om]: Roebuck &[and] reminder of Subscription due to the Linnean Soc[iety] (London) Have the cicadas changed their ways? I am told that but [179]
a comparatively few years ago, they 'sang' by day when people had literally to stop their ears. When sparrows became numerous as they are now, they took to thinning out the Cicadas. If therefore seems that these insects have become wise &[and] now pour forth their call notes by night, so far as humans are concerned being even more annoying than by day when other sounds served to [180]
Nov[ember] mitigate the evil. Mounted remaining photos for England &[and] endorsed them, 81 in number divided as follows, Father. 26. Wilfrid 30. Belle 25. I also made a list.6.
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Tues[day] Exhibited my colored drawing of Tree Kangaroo at the board meeting when the exchanged was passed (ie.[id est "that is"] books for birds.) Miss Hopcraft with us in the evening.7. Wed[nesday] Working up the Lemuroidea for a case now being fitted up. [181]
8. Thur[sday]. The Butterfly mentioned as larva and pupa on March 19th came out to day.9 Fri[day] Public holiday, the Prince of Wales birthday. We walked to Waverley called on the Walkers (they had gone off.) on to Bondi &[and] spent most of the day at the Aquarium. The selection of fish is much better while the ammuse- ments are more varied than at Coogee.10 Sat[urday] The Cicadas are now coming out in force. every large [182]
tree or fence has its complement of empty pupa cases. sometimes the insects have emerged only a few inches from the ground while in others the pupa has gone 10 or more feet up the tree. At night boys go round the trees &[and] collect the cases just as the cicadas are emerging &[and] by shaking them in their hands make the males at least, produce their shrill and deafening sounds. It is said that the [183]
cicadas are unusu- -ally plentiful this year and so indeed it would seem. In the evening we went to Paddys' mar- -ket I bought a Parraquet. (Platycercus pennantii for 2[shillings]/-11. Sun[day] Wrote to Father drew a gecko on the envelope. I have seen a pair of Boo Books about in the evening they may find out the av- -iary as one did last year. I have placed the movable one which stood on [184]
the verandah, at the back near the other ones to contain the Parraquet. The dolichas pods are cracking &[and] shooting their seeds in all directions, the present heat being condusive to their splitting. When green they are like this:- [sketch] but in the afternoon or after the sun has been up some time they commence to split if ripe and im- mediately assume this [185]
complex form, the assumption [sketch] of which throws the seeds some distance &[and] rattles them against the windows or at one's face. When quite brown ie.[id est "that is"] ripe I noticed that if gently pressed they explode but will not do so in the morning while the pods are still damp with dew. All this is of course true of what most other plants which require that their seeds should be [186]
thrown some way12. Mon[day] Rowling came in the evening I received my books in exchange. One of the tickets 'indemini- fied' is below. -AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM Library No. 339 Class G Shelf <21D> Dup[licate] of 2660 The Authority of Trustee Australia Museum E.R. Waite Nov[ember] [18]94 Exch[ange] 45 When we awoke this morning the intense heat
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&[and] moisture had almost a smothering [187]
sensation later in the day a dust storm arose &[and] in aspect is like a fog, shutting out everything and most unpleasant to breathe in. It is generally said that these storms arise in the great central plains whence the wind carries the dust for miles and miles. One might think that the wind would cool the air No! it is a hot wind a regular simoom choking by its heat. If indoors &[and] thinking [188]
when bearing the wind to let in a grateful one despite the dust did venture to open a window, it would be closed at once at the inrush of air would be many degrees hotter than that indoors. I may have written previously that when passing shops doors the air inside feels quite cool when a "simoom" is blowing Later in the day the wind veered to the south when we had a "buster". [189]
which cooled the air feeling indeed almost chilly in the evening by contrast. I had intended writing that on Sunday afternoon while reading. I was disturbed by what sounded to me like a Feu de joie. On going to the door I saw the disturbance arose from the China- mens gardens whence also volumes of smoke ascended. By a glass I saw that it was an occasion of celebra- -tion of some kind &[and] the men were letting [190]
off crackers. These were what at school we called Chinese crackers, but [sketch] instead of being let off individually they were strung together in huge masses of many hundreds each like huge chillies:- these were lighted at the bottom[sketch] &[and] cracked away incessantly, the burnt portions falling in a heap below as soon as one chili was burnt another was hoisted &[and] so [191]
the fire went on for fully two hours at the end of which time the empty cases lay in a heap on the ground like a manure heaps, or heaps I should say for there appeared to be 3 or more masses of crackers, cracking at the same time. Boys said it was a Chinaman's birthday. [sketch] [192]
Nov[ember]13. Tues[day]. Having arranged with Rowling to go to Shaws this evening as they are "always at home on Tuesdays" we turned up to find them out so walked home from Newtown I bought Rose a small cruet 5[shillings]/6[pence] on the way.14. Wed[nesday]. Letter from Mr Walker asking us for Saturday. A Mr Shine is publishing some sheets of Australian venomous snakes drawn under my supervision to day he brought me a final proof [193]
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of the first there viz[videlicet = namely] Brown &[and] Black snakes &[and] Death Adder. I wrote a favorable notice for Mr. Shine's benefit, it passed through Etheridge's hands as an official document.15 Thursday. Sent off Photos to Father, Mrs. Bowling, &[and] Herbert for Monday's post to reach them about Xmas[Christmas] postage 1[shilling]/6[pence]. Letter from Shaw asking us to tea on Thursday. To day Etheridge showed me a communication from the Royal Soc[iety] N[ew]S[outh]W[ales] informing him that he had been awarded [194]
the Clark Medal in recognition of his investigations in Australian palaeontology Met Walker &[and] told him we would see him on Saturday.16. Fri[day]. English mail in Y[orkshire].N[aturalists'].U[nion] literature from Roebuck. The portfolio of views of the world in 16 parts from Mrs Waite, a very fine series issued per the Leeds Mercury. From Father a letter and newspapers, also a water-color drawing beach, cliffs, houses rocks and sea. [195]
I spent an hour or so with Olliff in the evening found him improving but not yet on his legs.17. Sat[urday]. Walked to Waverley had tea &[and] spent the evening with Walker's music &c[et cetera]. they gave us a photo of Jessie violin in hand. I bought at a stall "Hartleys' Yorkshire Ditties" second-hand (3d[pence])18. Sun[day]. Had a early dinner took 2 O'clock boat to Manly. Spent our time on the beach I picked up a living Schedophulus maculatus [196]
the ground a lovely deep blue and the markings black the color faded after death. We returned by the 5.0 boat. I commenced to read Victor Hugo's "Ninety- three" which Walker with others had lent me19.Mon[day]. Rowling came to music in the evening. finished my paper on Aspidites ramsayi. I put the Platycercus pennantii with the Magpies as it was gnawing the wood of the aviary [197]
Jakko went for it at once but Poll was on the alert &[and] finally turned the tables Jakko keeping up a desultory but cautious warfare.20. Tues[day]. An English mail in I received a letter fr[om]: Boulenger asking me to read a paper before the Linnean Soc[iety] for him on a new Typhlops. Named after me in consequence of my having published the note T unguirostris &[and] T. affinis. [198]
the paper was enclosed &[and] the letter is below. [199]
Letter from G.A. Boulenger. re[garding] Typhlops.
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AMS587/34 – Edgar Waite Diary 37 -13 May – 20 November 1894
BRITISH MUSEUM(NATURAL HISTORY) CROMWELL ROAD, LONDON, S.W. 16.10.[18]94Dear Sir, I am much obliged to youfor the copy of your interestingpaper on Australian Typhlopidae. I have turned your remarksto your account, as you willsee by the enclosed note,which you would oblige meby offering for publication tothe Linnean Society of N[ew] S[outh] W[ales]Will you please request theSecretary to send me a fewseparate copies of my note when published I am, Dear Sir, Yours Truly, G A Boulenger E[dgar].R[avenswood]. Waite Esq[uire].
when I got home I found a letter from Wilfrid which grieved me as much as the previous one pleased me, pasted below:- [folded letter] [200]
'Fallowfield Barkston Ash 17 October 1894My dear Edgar, Thank you very much foryour letter &[and] for your present of the match box.The bean has caused much surprise &[and] curiosity&[and] in some cases a little scepticism. I am sorryto learn about the fiasco in Dr V's household. Ishe very much in trouble it? I sent offthe two flute pieces yesterday - the net price forthe two is 5[shillings]/- the postage extra. I got the man atthe shop to post them so I don't know how muchit was but you will see by the stamps. I cannotfind any trios for Vio[lin] flute and P[iano]F[orte] in Leeds, andthose on the lists are not worth buying they are'favourite tunes,' 'marches' &c[et cetera]. Now regarding theflute. I think you can get the 18 Guinea flutefor about £[pounds]16-3-6. postage &c[et cetera] extra. Will you pleasewrite direct to Mr. Hall Warwick Villas Leeds &[and]send him the full description of what you want.I was to tell you that he can rarely get his ordersfor flutes completed under six weeks from thetime of ordering. Now I want to tell you somethingabout myself. Don't send any more letters to meaddressed here as I am leaving &[and] this is thereason. Some years ago one of the family (Louisa,did you ever see her?) took a most violent disliketo me; It was almost hatred. Why she did so I don'tknow. She strongly objected to my living withMrs Bowling, but as she did not live with her(being engaged in Lancashire as a teacher ofCookery) Mrs B[owling] said I wasn't to mind &[and] take nonotice of it. Now, this Louisa is seriously illwith tumour or something like that. It is necessarythat she should come home to be nursed &[and]as she positively refuses to come while I am hereof course I must go. I expect to get away at theend of the present month. The awkward part isthat I am not well enough off by a long way tokeep myself in lodgings &[and] so I don't know what Iam going to do or where or how I am going to live.So you see I cannot give you any address that you
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AMS587/34 – Edgar Waite Diary 37 -13 May – 20 November 1894
can write to. Don't on any consideration mentiona word of this to Father. I had rather anyone, buthe knew about it, not for himself but on accountof his wife. If you care to write to Mrs or Miss Bowlingas before do so but I had much rather you didnot bring my name into your letter at all. If Iget settled anywhere I will write &[and] let you know.I hope you will not bother about this. I am tellingyou so that you won't be uneasy at any long silenceof mine. If you addressed any letter to my UncleThomas I should probably get it as I hope to keep upcommunication with him. Please give my love toRose. I hope you both are keeping well. Of course Iknow you will be busy. I hope you will enjoy yourvisit to Brisbane and not find it too hot. It is gettingvery cold here at night time &[and] the frosts are not fardistant. Mr. Hall sends his very best regards toyou and is glad to hear that you are getting onso well with your flute. He said he was very sorryto loose you as a pupil for you would have donehim credit &[and] especially if you had began as ayouth. He has got into new offices. In the newbuilding of the Yorks[ire] R[???] bank, just opposite thebottom of Bond St[reet]. Electric light, Lift, Telephone &c[et cetera]as in a most complete style. I have no morenews. I think there is quite enough of the kinddon't you. I am, my dear Edgar your affectionate Brother Wilfrid.
Wilfrid also sent me the music referred to:- 1. Terschak. Murillo 2. d[itt]o Le Babillard. 5[shillings]/- &[and] postage for both. More Y[orkshire].N[aturalists'].U[nion] matter from Roebuck. To day I drew plate of Aspidites ramsayi in illustration of my paper. In the evening I wrote to Wilfrid asking for further particulars &[and] saying I enclosed money order £[pound] 5 as a New Years gift. [201]
AMS 587/34 [202] AMS 587/34 [202]
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